Italian school; XVII century. Lot n° 26

Italian school; XVII century. "Christ washing the feet of the apostles". Oil on canvas. Measurements: 32 x 39,5 cm; 46,5 x 52 cm (frame). It is represented here a scene narrated by the Gospel of John, widely treated in the baroque painting. Christ kneeling before Peter, prepares to wash his feet. The rest of the apostles surround the two figures and exchange impressions, showing themselves stunned by the idea of being washed by their Lord. The figure of Jesus, differentiated from the others by the attitude and the light that seems to emerge from within him, determines the disposition of the rest. The architectural space, with bare walls, presents a greater presence in the right area of the scene, being configured through a diagonal that allows a greater amplitude in the rest of the scene. The interior is spartan and dark, so that the figures are built by the light chiseling. Stylistically, the work is inscribed within the Italian school of baroque, where a classicist conception of drawing and pure and emphatic forms stand out. The Gospel of John tells us that, during the Last Supper, Jesus got up from the table, took off his cloak and tied a towel around his waist. After pouring water into a basin, he began to wash his disciples' feet. Simon Peter pretended to refuse, but when Jesus insisted that otherwise he could have no part with him, he agreed to let him wash his feet. The washing of feet was a common ritual in the oriental culture, in fact, in the old testament we find examples of this practice as for example in the visit of the angels to Abraham. This action is associated with hospitality, however, through the gesture of Jesus towards his apostles a new significant dimension is added, which alludes to humility.